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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

5 from 132 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, toasted orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered together in a rich sauce and garnished with fresh basil. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with deliciously vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Orzo and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it briefly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it is lightly golden and fragrant.
  3. Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
  4. Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the orzo evenly.
  5. Combine and Garnish: Return the seared chicken slices to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Warm everything together for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes can be soaked in hot water if they are dry-packed to soften before chopping.
  • Feel free to add garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Dinner, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese